[L3MONz]

My local shop charges about $75 to replace, which isn't much but if it's that cheap than I might as well just replace it myself. I'm wondering if any of you guys here have replaced a knuckle before, if so what sort of DIY tutorial did you use? And what sort of equipment is required prior to taking it off and putting the new one on?

 

[peytonracer4]

What knuckle

 

[L3MONz]

Front left.

 

[Mango]

You mean your wheel carrier/hub? Why are you replacing that? your post makes no sense. Post up a picture of the exact part you're talking about.

 

[peytonracer4]

you mean your wheel carrier/hub? Why are you replacing that? Your post makes no sense. Post up a picture of the exact part you're talking about.

+1

 

[NOVAbimmer]

what happened to the knuckle that's causing it to need to be replaced? It's not really a part that just goes bad.

 

[L3MONz]

It was in an accident that caused it to be bent? Two shops already told me that I need to replace it in order to get my alignment done.

 

[B_Cyrus]

What knuckle

the moose knuckle

 

[Mango]

It was in an accident that caused it to be bent? Two shops already told me that I need to replace it in order to get my alignment done.

I think they're yanking your chain. Take it to another alignment shop. Play dumb and don't mention any knuckles. Unless a nuclear missle hit your front axle, i'm not sure how it could bend. Any visible damage to them? do they appear to be bent to the naked eye?

 

[L3MONz]

I think they're yanking your chain. Take it to another alignment shop. Play dumb and don't mention any knuckles. Unless a nuclear missle hit your front axle, i'm not sure how it could bend. Any visible damage to them? do they appear to be bent to the naked eye?

I didn't know it was possible either. But I took it to another shop and I didn't even have to mention the knuckle to him. Like the last guy who I took it too, he said he couldn't complete the alignment because it was bent and I had to buy another one. Although it's a good thing this guy didn't even charge me for a job that was left unfinished, unlike the shop before him.

 

[Mango]

Which aspect of the alignment couldn't they adjust due to a bent knuckle?

 

[L3MONz]

Dunno, they just told me I had to replace it. I could post a pic of what they said about it, but idk if it'll help.

Edit, heres what both of them said about it. The one on the bottom is the most recent one.

Sorry for the sideways shot.

 

[peytonracer4]

Is he talking about the knuckle that holds the tie rod onto the wheel assembly?
How could you possibly replace that for $75? Labor would be like $200 and parts would be $300+

 

[Optio]

The tech is talking about your caster measurement being just a little out. As I recall, mine was not much better than yours at 4.9/5.0....I suspect that the control arms are more of a player in the caster.

 

[L3MONz]

The tech is talking about your caster measurement being just a little out. As I recall, mine was not much better than yours at 4.9/5.0....I suspect that the control arms are more of a player in the caster.

Well the first guy I went for an alignment told me that I had to replace both my lower control arms and bushings. Didn't mention anything about the control arm itself.

Look you guys, I just simply need to know if theres a DIY floating around somewhere on replacing the knuckle. I've already searched around a couple forums and couldn't find anything yet and so i'm hoping that you guys would be able to help find one.

 

[MJLavelle]

If he can do it for $75, it's not worth dragging the jack out for. Hell, the dealer charges that to refill your wiper fluid!

 

[L3MONz]

If he can do it for $75, it's not worth dragging the jack out for. Hell, the dealer charges that to refill your wiper fluid!

This college student is on a tight budget lol.

 

[Optio]

You car does not have a problem! Many E46's have lower than spec caster...save your money for a Columbian Cat Scratch Fever.

 

[trive2]

Can someone PLEASE just answer his question!? I have a bent hub knuckle and I KNOW it's bent. a gutter jumped out in front of my car at sixty kays and split all the joints.

 

[L3MONz]

You car does not have a problem! Many E46's have lower than spec caster...save your money for a Columbian Cat Scratch Fever.

Can I get some reinsurance on that? Got any scores of some previous E46's that are the same as mine? Because mine drags to the right side like crazy.